Embarking on a road trip is always an adventure that promises freedom, discovery, and the thrill of the open road. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a cross-country expedition, making sure you’re bringing the essentials is key to ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey. Today, let’s talk about packing for a road trip and what to bring so you can make the most of your vacation.

Remember the Essentials

First and foremost, don’t forget your driver’s license, vehicle registration, insurance information, and any travel permits you may need. Additionally, carry a physical copy of your route, emergency contacts, and addresses of your destination(s).

Although the items below aren’t necessarily ‘fun,’ they’re important to have so you can stay both safe and comfortable in case you need them.

• First Aid Kit: Bumps and bruises happen, so a well-stocked first aid kit is a must. Make sure that your first aid kit is up-to-date (medicines do expire, after all), and include bandages, pain relievers, and antiseptic wipes and/or hand sanitizer.
• Emergency Tools: A flashlight with extra batteries, jumper cables, a tire pressure gauge, and a toolkit are all essential in case you run into an unforeseen issue.
• Spare Tire and Jack: If you have a spare tire, make sure that it is in good condition and filled to the correct PSI for the season. Also, check that you have the tools needed to change a flat and brush up on your tire-changing skills before you go.
• Snacks and Water: Make sure you bring non-perishable snacks such as trail mix and granola bars, as well as extra bottles of water. These can come in handy if you wind up stuck in traffic or on the side of the road.
• Car Chargers: Bring car chargers for phones, cameras, and other electronic gadgets to help you stay online and connected wherever the road takes you.
• Travel Pillows and Blankets: Whether you want to catch a quick nap during a rest stop or you’ve run into car trouble and have to wait for help, a comfortable pillow and blanket can make a world of difference for your comfort.
• GPS or Navigation Apps: Although most modern vehicles have built-in GPS, having a backup navigation system through your smartphone is wise. Similarly, technology can fail, so having a paper map of your route can help ensure you don’t get lost if you leave cell reception.
• Cooler: A portable plug-in cooler is perfect for keeping drinks and snacks fresh, especially if you are going to be on the road for several days. Consider packing a mix of healthy options and indulgent treats.

Clothing and Personal Items

Before you go, check the weather forecast for your route and destination. Packing clothing that can be layered can help you be prepared for changing temperatures. If your road trip spans several days, having a small amount of detergent on hand makes it easy to do laundry on the go.

Don’t forget your toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, and other personal hygiene items are essential for staying fresh on the road. Also, make sure to bring your prescription medication. It’s wise to bring more than you need – accidents happen, and pills sometimes fall down the sink or in an area you can’t reach.

If you’re planning to spend time outdoors, bring sunscreen and bug spray to protect yourself from the sun’s rays and pesky insects. You may also want to invest in UV or bug-protective clothing, especially if you’re sensitive to the sun or bug bites.

Stay Entertained on the Road

A curated road trip playlist, podcasts, or audiobooks are ideal hands-free entertainment for long road trips. Road trip games like “I Spy” and trivia are classics.

If you’re traveling with children, consider downloading a movie or their favorite TV show to keep them entertained. Handheld game devices or games on their phone can also stave off boredom.

Although most smartphones have cameras, a dedicated, disposable camera can capture travel memories in a unique way.

Prepare Your Car For The Road With T3 Atlanta

Whether you’re exploring scenic landscapes, historic sites, or vibrant cities, being well-prepared allows you to focus on the joy of the journey itself.

A successful vacation begins with carefully packing for a road trip, but being prepared should also include your vehicle. Bring your car to T3 Atlanta before your trip to help ensure your ride is in top shape wherever the road may take you. Give us a call to make an appointment today!

No driver expects to find their trusted car submerged in flooded waters. An unexpected influx of flood water into your vehicle is never a pleasant surprise. Promptly addressing water damage to your car can help prevent potential escalation of damage to your car as it sits in salty or muddy waters. Even ‘minor’ floods can cause significant damage to the interior and exterior of your car and present a myriad of issues ranging from electrical damage to unpleasant odors. Today, we discuss five essential steps to take for flood-damaged cars.

Can Flood-Damaged Cars Be Saved?

Depending on the severity of the damage, an experienced mechanic can repair a car that suffered flood damage from fresh waters. Saltwater can cause irreparable harm to vehicles, and there is no way to successfully salvage a car flooded with salt water.

Automotive flood damage occurs when a vehicle has been partially submerged in waters to the degree that significant damage can be found in the engine, safety features like airbags, and transmission. Repairs may be possible for vehicles with moderate flood damage, but unfortunately, many vehicles see their untimely demise due to catastrophic floods.

This guide highlights five crucial measures to focus on if your car has sustained flood damage.

1. Inspect The Visible Damage

Take a moment to quickly address the immediately apparent damage suffered while keeping a keen eye out for moisture, rust, and mildew odor.

2. Do Not Attempt To Start Your Car

If there is still water within the engine, you can safely assume it has also breached the intake tract and exhaust valve cylinders. Turning the ignition with such considerable moisture in the engine may increase the damage beyond the point of repair.

3. Remove Excess Moisture

Removing as much moisture as possible during this initial surmising stage is imperative. Excess moisture in the interior fabric leads to mold and mildew. It’s most effective to use a combination of techniques, such as a shop vac, moisture-removing packets or hangers, and fans.

Water can wreak havoc on vehicular electrical systems, affecting automatic braking systems and the power controls responsible for locking the doors and opening windows. Several water-based issues will not be visible, so be sure to take notice of the aroma of mold and mildew.

4. Air Out Your Car

If the conditions allow, open each of your car doors and windows. A consistent source of airflow throughout the vehicle can dry out your car, prevent further mildew and mold, and hopefully eliminate some of the odors that have built up. Ensure you have removed all carpets and floor mats to accelerate the drying process. Circulating air fans are an option if the conditions outside the vehicle are rainy and damp.

5. Have Your Car Towed For Inspection

Now that you have surmised the condition of your flood-damaged car, it is time to hand the matter over to a professional. If your vehicle has incurred water damage due to flooding, have your vehicle towed to a reputable auto shop for an inspection. There, a trained mechanic can determine if your vehicle can be salvaged and returned to road-worthy condition and gauge whether reversing the water damage would be a wise or cost-effective solution.

Car Inspections, Repairs, and More At T3 Atlanta

Taking the time and resources to properly care for and maintain your trusted vehicle goes a long way toward its long-standing performance and safety. T3 Atlanta offers affordable and efficient services for Lexus, Nissan, Toyota, and Infiniti drivers. Our team can review and gauge the cost of flood and water damage. Give us a call to have one of our award-winning mechanics care for your vehicle today!

From unpaved lots bordering nature parks and hiking trails, grassy fields acting as festival parking, off-roading adventures that went off the rails, or even unpredictable weather systems dropping heavy rain in a short span, each of these circumstances can leave you inconvenienced and out of luck. This handy guide spotlights the possible methods if you find your car stuck in the mud.

Car Stuck In The Mud? Do’s and Don’ts

Take a Moment to Evaluate the Situation and Survey the Damage

When attempting to get your vehicle out of this predicament, the most important thing to remember is not to panic. Try to keep your sense of calm, assess the situation, and create a strategic plan for you and any passengers to evacuate the vehicle. Once you have safely navigated your way out, it will be much easier to gauge the severity of the situation and potential damage to your car.

The Rocking Method

This handy trick may help you when your car is in shallow mud. Begin with a slight acceleration forward, then shift into reverse and attempt a similar movement backward, being cautious not to initiate wheel spinning. The continuous rocking back and forth can accomplish enough momentum to get your vehicle out of the mud.

The Car Mat Technique

Believe it or not, your stylish car mats can quickly become a tool for regaining traction in slippery, muddy conditions. Use a jack to elevate the tires before placing a car mat below and in front of the wheels. Place the mats in front of and around the driver’s side wheel for front-wheel-drive cars and near the passenger-side wheel for real-wheel vehicles. This technique should allow your car to gain sufficient momentum to escape the mud.

What Not to Do

Spin your Wheels

Most car tires tightly grip paved roads and highways and often struggle to gain traction while submerged in mud. Hastily slamming the pedal to the metal to avoid further sinking will only act to spin your wheels without traction, digging you deeper into this mess. Ease off the gas pedal immediately if you get the impression your car is stuck in the mud.

Don’t Hesitate to Ask for Assistance

Asking for help getting your car out of the mud might be initially embarrassing. Still, you have a greater chance of getting yourself out quickly with someone outside the vehicle offering direction and guidance.

Finding yourself behind the wheel of a car stuck in the mud can make for an unpleasant experience. Still, you can circumvent some of the anxious discomforts of events like these by knowing your vehicle is in good condition and well-maintained. Pay attention to the scheduled upkeep of your car to make matters better during unexpected emergencies.

Car Repair And More At T3 Atlanta

T3 Atlanta recommends that every car owner routinely schedules maintenance and service to ensure the optimal performance of their vehicle. Keeping up to date with the service schedule can severely decrease the power and performance, potentially leaving you and your passengers vulnerable in an emergency.

If you drive a Toyota, Nissan, Infiniti, or Lexus in the Atlanta area, give us a call today. Our team can keep your car running smoothly and your confidence sky-high with the peace of mind that you and your passengers are in good hands.

Thunderstorms continue to be one of the most prominent natural disasters throughout Georgia. Depending on your area of residence, Georgia sees rainfall on a year-round basis. Typically caused by severe storm systems unleashing vast amounts of rain over a short period, flash floods often appear without warning signals. Floodwaters surge downhill, leaving rural areas and cities vulnerable to significant damage. Read on to learn what to do if your car gets stuck in floodwater.

What to do if you encounter flood waters while driving

Flood warnings often are typically only broadcast once the flooding has already begun. If you observe flood warnings while driving, your most urgent priority should be getting out of your car and finding higher ground on foot. If this is not an immediate option, remember to remain calm and avoid panicked thoughts.

Unfasten your seatbelt, unlock your car doors, then engage your hazard and headlights as a signal, alerting emergency personnel of your location. Slowly open the windows and, if able, crawl out of your car. If you are unable to open the windows, you will need to wait for the water pressure to stabilize before being able to use the door to escape.

Once you can exit the car, swim to safer grounds as soon as possible and immediately call 911 if there is no one to assist you. Finding dry land as quickly as possible is crucial because even 6 inches of moving water can be powerful enough to knock many adults over.

What not to do if your car gets stuck in floodwater

First and foremost, do not panic. Take a moment for a deep breath, and try not to burn precious energy on distressed or frightened thoughts. Forget about valuable possessions inside the car and save that 911 call for once you’ve found dry land. Your total focus should be centered entirely on your safety at this moment. If you attempt to break open your car window before the water pressure has yet to equalize, broken glass can flow inwards toward you or your passengers.

Once you have safely exited the vehicle, immediately find higher ground. If you believe water levels have dropped to manageable levels, do not return to your car because flood waters could rise again without notice.

Can you avoid getting stuck in floodwaters?

Residents throughout the low country or those living near large bodies of water are especially at risk for flooding in their communities. Your safety is paramount if your town is experiencing a flood, and no one is longing to be behind the wheel of an automobile in the middle of a disaster. However, proper preparedness can help you keep your wits under pressure and survive a flood in your car.

Avoid large pools of water on the road if you suddenly find yourself caught in a flood or flash flood, as gauging the depth of water on the street is nearly impossible, especially at night. A 6-inch puddle of water can result in power loss and costly damage to your vehicle, while waters 1 to 2 feet deep are powerful enough to jettison most cars from the road. This guide examines the valuable safety measures you can take to prepare yourself better if you are caught by surprise by flooded waters while driving.

Car Repairs And More At T3 Atlanta

In theory, we can all avoid a flood by keeping up with daily weather forecasts, but flash floods are erratic and hard to predict. Knowing your car is prepared for harsh weather conditions can instill valuable peace of mind while behind the wheel. T3 Atlanta has kept Lexus, Infiniti, Nissan, and Toyota drivers safely on the road since proudly opening our doors in 1994. Make an appointment by giving us a call today!

The winter season is in full swing, and it’s time to prep your vehicle for the worst. One of the essential parts of winter driving is having snow chains on hand, just in case you need them. Today we’re going to talk about how to put snow chains on your tires.

But first, let’s talk about why snow chains are even necessary.

Why should you put snow chains on your tires?

Snow chains come in different sizes, designs, and materials. If you’re driving on a snowy or icy road, then your tires must have the correct type of snow chains to help prevent skidding and maintain control of your vehicle.

Snow chains can also improve traction and grip when roads are wet and slippery. They increase traction and help prevent skidding, especially when the wheels lose contact with the road.

What are the different types of snow chains?

Snow chains can be divided into two general types: tire and cable chains.

Tire chains

Tire chains are made of metal and attach to your tires. Tire chains are usually made of steel or alloy and provide better grip than cable chains because the teeth dig deeper into the road’s surface.

Cable chains

Cable chains consist of a series of metal links, and they attach to your wheel rims. Cable chains give you more stability while driving in slushy conditions, but tire chains are stronger overall because the links lock together when you turn the steering wheel.

How to put snow chains on your tires

If you’re driving in slippery conditions and it’s recommended that you put snow chains on your tires, then here are the steps to follow.

1. Park your vehicle and, for safety reasons, leave it in park or neutral with the parking brake firmly applied.
2. Loosen the bolts that attach the chains to your tire with pliers or a wrench. This will make putting them on easier later, but don’t remove them altogether.
3. If you have a rear-wheel drive vehicle, attach one end of the chain behind one tire and loop it around the other side. If you have a four-wheel or all-wheel drive, be sure to secure it behind each tire.
4. Repeat step three for the other side of the vehicle if needed.
5. Tighten down the bolts with your pliers or wrench to secure the chains in place and prevent them from falling off when you’re driving around.
6. Once the chains are on, test them by taking your vehicle for a short spin around the block.
7. If everything seems in order, you can drive onto the snowy or icy road and continue driving normally. Keep at least ten car lengths between yourself and other vehicles on the road, so you don’t risk sliding into them.
8. If you’re driving in highly snowy conditions, you can tighten the chains by their bolt connections to ensure they don’t move around too much and come off.

Other winter driving essentials to keep in your car

Aside from snow chains, there are different winter driving essentials that you should always keep in your car. These are things that will be helpful when you are in a pinch during the winter season.

Keep these items in your trunk so they are ready to use at all times:

• Pair of gloves
• Small shovel (to dig your car out)
• Salt (or other de-icing agents like cat litter or sand that can be used on the road if needed)
• Blankets
• Flashlight and batteries
• Flares or reflective triangle (for greater visibility in case you get stuck at night)
• Jumper cables
• First aid kit
• Basic tool kit (with pliers, wrench, screwdriver, and other things that might prove helpful)
• Water and snacks (in case you get stuck in your car for any reason)

Winter Repair And Maintenance Services In Atlanta

If you are in Atlanta and looking for a repair shop that can help you and your car out, then T3 Atlanta is always your best bet.

T3 Atlanta is a trusted name in providing general automotive repair services for Lexus, Nissan, Infiniti, and Toyota vehicles in the Atlanta Metro Area. Give us a call today, and we’ll have you penned in for a visit in the soonest time possible.

The drive-in theatre was a mainstay of the mid-20th century, and many have gone the way of the dodo. However, some drive-ins do still exist, including one here in Atlanta. With many theatres still closed or running with limited capacity, and spring bringing warmer weather to our city, it’s the perfect time to go to a drive-in theatre. If you’ve never been to a drive-in and want to give it a try, here are our top tips for drive-in theatres to make your night out a success.

1. Look at the weather report

Drive-ins don’t just operate in perfect weather; they’ll be open rain or shine. All the same, it’s a good idea to look at the weather report before you go and plan accordingly.

If there’s a cold night ahead, pack some hand warmers, hot cocoa, and a blanket or two. If it’s going to be raining, you may want to bring a towel to combat condensation forming on the windows. (Alternately, you can always stick an umbrella outside of your window so you can keep the windows open and yourself dry.)

2. Bring a radio

Your movie’s sound is broadcast through FM radio. You can always rely on your vehicle’s battery to get you through the film (just make sure to run your car during intermission so you don’t completely drain your battery). However, you can also bring your own radio and tune in to the indicated channel, saving your car’s battery and the need to get a jump start after the show.

3. Pack snacks and drinks

You can get concessions at the drive-in, but to save costs and also enjoy your favorite treats, you can also bring your own. Since you can’t have your car’s cabin lights on during the show, it’s best to pack food and drink that you can easily grab in the dark.

Candies, chips, and bagged popcorn are always perfect movie-watching snacks. For the health-conscious, hummus or veggies and chips are great alternatives.

4. Bring a spare battery pack

Although your drive-in theatre will have someone on hand ready to jump-start your car, you can also do it yourself with a portable battery pack. This option saves you some time as the person doing jump-start rounds may not begin until all other cars have left the drive-in.

5. Practice drive-in etiquette

You and your fellow drivers are at the drive-in for one purpose: to enjoy a movie. Since you’re in your car and not in a theatre, it’s important to practice drive-in etiquette and not distract others from their viewing experience.

Some basic tips include:

• Turn off your headlights
• Turn off your engine
• Park at least 10 feet away from other cars
• Don’t sit on top of or outside of your car during the movie
• If you’re using your car battery for audio, run your car during the intermission
• If you’re in an SUV or truck, park near the back of the lot to avoid obstructing other patrons’ view

Complete Auto Care At T3 Atlanta

Whether you need a battery replaced, want to keep your car on its maintenance schedule, or require more comprehensive repairs on your vehicle, T3 Atlanta can help. We provide fast and friendly service Nissan, Lexus, Infiniti, and Toyota vehicles at our two convenient metro Atlanta locations. Give us a call and let us book you in for an appointment today!